Children’s Officer

Description of Element/Role

The welfare and safety of our Campettes and Leaders is of precedence to Michaela Foundation. Therefore, we like to appoint at least two Leaders at each Camp to the role of Camp Children’s Officer.

This is not a standalone role. For example, you may assume the role of both Fun Leader and Camp Children’s Officer.

The key role of the Camp Children’s Officer is to ensure the implementation and promotion of the relevant Michaela Foundation policies of good practice in their Camp so as to ensure that our Campettes can participate, enjoy and benefit from our Camps in safe and enjoyable surroundings.

Responsibilities

The Camp Children’s Officer shall assist in promoting a child and youth centered ethos at their Camp. They shall be the link between the Campettes/young people and the adults/Leaders within the Camp. They are also the link between their Camp and the National Children’s Officer in relation to safeguarding issues.

Make referrals of alleged allegations of abuse to Michaela Foundation’s National Children’s Officer

Commitment

Attend Camp:

Monday – Friday

Monday 8.30am – 4pm

Tuesday – Friday 9am – 4pm

Attend Training

Training

Camp Children’s Officers must attend Child Protection and Safeguarding Training. If you have already completed similar training within the past , or, are professionally trained in the field; you may not need to attend this training. However, you will need to provide evidence of your completed training. Otherwise, Child Protection and Safeguarding training will be provided by Ulster GAA for our volunteers. Venues and dates will be announced closer to the time.

First aid training is optional but advised. As least two members of the team must be first aid trained. If you are already trained in First Aid, or, are a trained healthcare professional; you won’t need to attend this training. However, you will need to provide evidence of your completed training.

Specific activity training will be available online for the recruited team members.

Sample activities

The Camp Children’s Officer is the “go to” adult on site for any Child Protection issues.

This role is best suited to...

Individuals who:

are interested in Child Safeguarding issues

have experience in this field (not essential)

are able to lead a team

are able to work as part of a team

are able to work under direction

possess good communication skills

General information for all Michaela Foundation volunteers

Recruitment method:

To become a Michaela Foundation volunteer you must complete the online application form and provide references. All Summer Camp volunteers are required to undergo a vetting check. (Access NI or Garda Vetting) You will receive training relevant to your role. You will only be able to begin your volunteering once we have completed the necessary checks relevant to your role.

Ongoing training:

All our volunteers are provided with the necessary training to enable them to carry out their role. This training will either be provided face-to-face or through the online training hub.

Confidentiality:

All information concerning volunteers and Campettes shall be treated as strictly confidential at all times.

Equal opportunities:

It is the aim of Michaela Foundation to ensure that no one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, sex, race, colour, religion, marital status, sexuality or disability; or, is not placed at a disadvantage by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Everyone shall adhere to our equal opportunities policy and ensure that diversity is valued throughout Michaela Foundation.

Health and safety:

We aim to provide a safe environment for all our volunteers and Campettes. We will therefore make you aware of your responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and to ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out and to maintain a safe environment for volunteers, Campettes or visitors.

Data protection:

If you have contact with data systems, computerised or otherwise, you are required to obtain, process and/or use the information in a fair and lawful way; to hold data only for the specific registered purpose; and not to use or disclose it in any way incompatible with such purpose. To disclose data only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed.